Results › Recent Placements
Adam Schwerner
President & CEO, San Diego Botanic Garden · San Diego, CA
Accomplished public garden and cultural institution leader Adam Schwerner has been selected as President & Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Botanic Garden, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to plant conservation, environmental education, and community engagement. Schwerner brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in public horticulture, landscape design, and mission-driven cultural institutions.
Schwerner joins the San Diego Botanic Garden from The Disneyland Resort, where he serves as Director of Horticulture and Resort Enhancement. In this role, he provides executive leadership for horticulture, landscape design, and environmental storytelling across multiple parks, hotels, and retail environments. He leads a multidisciplinary workforce of nearly 500 staff and oversees long-term planning, capital investments, and stewardship of both historic and contemporary assets, ensuring world-class guest experiences grounded in design excellence and operational precision.
Previously, Schwerner held senior leadership roles with the Chicago Park District, including Director of Cultural and Natural Resources, where he established and led a comprehensive department integrating arts, culture, and environmental stewardship. He managed a $47 million operating budget and collaborated closely with nonprofit foundations and civic partners to advance major capital initiatives and public programming. Earlier, as Director of Natural Resources, he oversaw 9,500 acres of parkland, managed large-scale operations, and provided executive oversight for nationally recognized conservatories and ecological assets.
Throughout his career, Schwerner has partnered closely with boards, foundations, and donors to align institutional vision with philanthropic priorities, supporting capital projects and strengthening organizational visibility and impact. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to conservation, public engagement, and the power of storytelling to connect communities with nature.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is a 37-acre urban oasis dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to connect with plants and nature. Through diverse plant collections, conservation initiatives, and educational programming, the Garden serves as a regional resource for environmental stewardship and community enrichment.